Forever and a Day

by Alexis Konsantino

  “Oh! Yes in the bag!” JJ walked over by the examination table and handed Halo a plastic bag with some clothes from the set, “Lemme help you.”

  Halo began slipping out of her paper gown and JJ gently got Halo into her bra and T-shirt. Deciding to go commando, JJ helped her pull on a pair of white denim Capri pants. JJ handed Halo a pair of black leather flats, Halo bent over and came right back up grimacing, “Oh hell, it hurts to bend over.” She winced with tears forming.

  “Here let me.” JJ said and slipped Halo’s shoes on for her, “There you go.” JJ gave her a pouty lip in sympathy.

  “Thanks, JJ. I keep saying it, but really I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  JJ smiled and knew what she would do without her, she would be forced to find a guy and be happy. Hell even a good dog would be good for her. She always felt that she was holding Halo back. She loved her friend and boss, but she thought of herself as her crutch,

  “You would manage just fine, but you know I love you.”

  “Love you too, JJ.”

  A knock came at the door but it did not open. Halo called out, “Come in!”

  “It’s Doctor Apulu. I have the sergeant from earlier. He would like to ask you a few more questions?”

  “Please, come in.” Halo responded.

  Apulu came in and another very muscular Samoan man, wearing a dark blue short sleeved button up, a badge, darker blue pants and black combat boots. His complexion was lighter than Apulu’s and Patricia’s both, the sergeant standing in the doorway reminded him of a bull in a china shop.

  “Hello again, sergeant.”

  “Good day, Miss Raines. Sorry to bother you again.” He replied and came in and stood next to Dr. Apulu.

  “The sergeant is happy with the pictures, correct?” Apulu turned to the sergeant and looked him eye to eye.

  “Yes, they will be helpful.” Replied the police sergeant, “Just a question or two…” He reached into his back pocket and produced a clear plastic bag marked ‘Evidence’ in red. He held it up to Halo, “Ma’am do you recognize what this article of clothing is?”

  Halo saw what it was and stifled a giggle, as did JJ, “Uh, yes that is referred to, I apologize in advance, a ‘cock sock’, and male actors use them to cover their genitals in sex scenes…usually.”

  “Very good. Did you hear Mr. Stone at any time before the attack say he was wearing one?”

  Halo and JJ both nodded, “Yes. He did.” Halo said.

  JJ added, “He made a joke that it was too small and he would have to make due.”

  “I think just about anyone who was on the set heard it, there were many groans at his joke.”

  “I see. Miss Raines, earlier you said that you did feel skin on skin contact from Mr. Stone’s penis,” He looked through his notes on a pad, “on your thigh. Is this correct?”

  “Yes, sergeant.”.

  “And when you delivered a kick to his groin you stated you were on your back underneath Mr. Stone. Did you see Mr. Stone wearing, uh this sock?” He held up the bag with the flesh colored sock.

  “No he was not wearing it. Nor did I feel it on him when my foot hit his thing.”

  “I see. I think that about covers it. Thank you Miss Raines.”

  “One moment please, sergeant. Am I in any trouble?” Halo asked a bit worried.

  The big sergeant smiled, “No, Miss Raines. You defended yourself admirably, and in this officers’ opinion? You made sure he wouldn’t retaliate. I see what you may be thinking by my questions. I can tell you this, this uh… sock was found in Mr. Stone’s pants pocket. We are making sure that we have a solid case; it comes from all the way up.”

  “Oh! Well, I’m relieved, thank you sergeant. Uh, is Joseph in trouble?”

  The sergeant cocked his head at her and smiled, “Why, did he do something wrong?”

  “Oh, no he didn’t. Uh, you JJ?” Halo quickly asked her friend.

  “Who me? No, he was there the whole time, I didn’t see anything wrong.” JJ said and smiled.

  “Very good then. Ladies, Doctor Apulu, good day.” With a wave, he left the room with his shoulders coming close to brushing the doorframe as he left.

  Doctor Apulu reached out and handed Halo a small box, “Here you are Miss Raines, ibuprofen and muscle relaxers. Here is your medical chart with x-rays and my diagnosis. You are intending on getting an MRI, correct?”

  Halo accepted the manila type of envelope and pills, “Yes, we will try and get a flight out as soon as we can, thank you doctor.”

  “Ah, one more thing Miss Raines, the medical report in your hands? I did not make mention of your other injuries, just the one to your head due to the hospital being in Brisbane… I thought it would be in your best personal interests.”

  “Doctor, thank you for your concern.” Halo said and held out her hand to him with a look of gratitude, “I really appreciate it.”

  “Take care and I bid you both good day.” Apulu replied and quietly let himself out.

  Halo turned to JJ, “Where is our charter jet at?”

  JJ shook her head, “It’s not scheduled to be back here until next week. I’ll make some calls on the way to the hotel and get us on one ASAP.”

  JJ went to the door and opened it and found Thomas leaning against the opposite wall waiting for them, “Hi Thomas.” JJ said and held the door for Halo as she gingerly walked out the door.

  “Halo, do you need a wheelchair? You are not walking well.” Thomas asked as he watched her come into the hall.

  Halo waved him off, “I’m ok, my back is really sore. I tweaked it when I kicked Johnny I think.” She paused and looked up to Thomas, “Were you waiting here the whole time?”

  “Joseph and I were taking turns. Deacon was here too, he had some things that needed him. He left a little while ago.”

  “Ah, thanks Thomas.” Halo said appreciatively.

  Thomas gave her a nod and held his arm out to her for support; she took it thankfully, as they headed out of the emergency room and to Joseph and the 4Runner.

  Back at the hotel JJ did her calling and booked a flight leaving in a three hours to Brisbane. They began packing their bags when a knock came at their door.

  JJ walked over, “I’ll get it.” She opened the door to see Thomas with an irritated look on his face. He jerked his thumb behind him.

  “Joel and Deacon would like to talk with Halo.”

  Halo called out, “Fine, let them in.”

  Thomas stepped inside and took up a place by the door as Joel and Deacon came in. Joel had a worried look about him as he glanced up at Thomas as he walked by him.

  Deacon was the first to speak, “Halo, how are you doing? Uh… what are you doing?” He asked seeing the open suitcases on the beds.

  “Uh, leaving.” Halo said plainly, ignoring both shocked men.

  “Halo!” Joel said worriedly, “I’m so sorry this happened! You don’t need to go! Call your actor you wanted! Please stay!”

  Deacon chimed in, “Halo I too am sorry, please don’t go! I know this must be horrible for you, but, but you can’t just leave the production like this!”

  Halo shook her head, realizing how it sounded, “Oh hell. No, I mean I am leaving for Brisbane for a brain MRI. They don’t have one here and Doctor Apulu was quite insistent. And! Xander Kostinos is on his way and will be in Brisbane, in what two days?” Halo turned JJ and shrugged.

  “Well since Australia is over the date line, then yes you are right.”

  Both men collectively sighed together. Deacon spoke up, “Good to hear it, how are you doing Halo?”

  “I hurt all over, where that asshole gouged me? It hurts to walk in pants.” Halo shot Joel a shit look.

  Joel flushed, “Halo, I really am so sorry. Johnny didn’t say anything other than, he’d give you a squeeze. I warned him, I did, really! He said he was just fucking with me…”

  “We should have listened to you in the first place Halo, I am sorry.” Deacon added.

 
Halo glared at Joel, “Since Johnny committed a crime he lost everything. I gave his contract to Xander Kostinos and I don’t care what you think. So just sign it.” Halo turned to JJ who began digging in her bag for the paperwork. Shortly she produced the contract with Halo’s and Xander’s signature, she handed it to Joel with a pen.

  He nodded without a word, quickly signed and dated it, then handed it to Deacon who did the same. JJ took it back, “I’ll fax it out at the front desk before we leave.” JJ said to Halo.

  “Halo, we have a problem with the charter. We won’t have it back until next week. And the next flight from Brisbane back to here, isn’t until four days from now.”

  “So? We take a few days off, Deacon can get some ‘B’ roll footage.” Halo suggested.

  Joel shook his head, “Problem with that is the fucking sand got into the dolly wheels and the damn bearings are shot now. It won’t roll smoothly and squeaks, go fucking figure. Doug wants to bring the second unit’s dolly and crane back. This little island hopper plane can’t handle it. Sarah checked. So we are going to lose over three hundred K just sitting on our asses waiting on the charter jet.”

  Halo sat down on the bed with a sigh. With all the shit she is dealing with, she has to help with this crap she thought. Halo looked at Deacon, “What do you think?”

  Deacon shook his head, and smoothed his shaggy blonde hair out with his hands, “I’d like to film as soon as we can. If you need time to recover, then you need to take it.”

  Joel cleared his throat and held up his hand, “If we get back here quick, we can film the new guy’s scenes and at least get it done with while you recover. Isn’t it nice enough here to get some relaxation in?” Joel started quietly tapping his foot on the tile, “Time is money?”

  “Uh, what do you mean we? As in get back here?” Halo asked with a wrinkle between her eyebrows.

  “Oh, I booked a flight out on tonight’s plane too.” Joel said, “I need to get there and get another charter, and that’s gonna cost a shit load.”

  “Fuck.” Halo sighed, “I was hoping to take a day or two. Fine.” She groaned and turned to JJ, “Call Alessandra.”

  “No… Really?” JJ asked surprised.

  “Yes, do it. Tell her it’s me personally who’s asking for a charter out of Brisbane.”

  JJ did a quick mental calculation, “It will be early there, I think.” She looked at her boss and nodded, “I’ll go out on the balcony.” JJ grabbed her phone and iPad and left the room to make the call.

  “Halo, who is Alessandra?” Joel queried.

  “The owner of Virgo Airlines private secretary, you know… Vicente Assandri.” Halo sighed.

  “Oh. Uh, he and your dad know each other, right?” Joel asked quietly.

  “Yeah, Ari too.” Halo trailed off.

  “Thanks for doing this, Halo.” Joel said quietly. He knew Halo wanted them to handle everything on their own, without either of their parents help.

  Joel looked up to Thomas who glared at him, he shrugged and went and sat down on the chair by the desk. Deacon quietly took the orange fabric covered swivel chair by Thomas.

  Deacon looked his actress up and down, noticed all the bruises on her legs. As Halo brushed her hair back in contemplation, he saw the swollen and bruised hand, “Oh hell, Halo. Let me get some ice for your hand! I just noticed it!” Deacon got up as Halo looked at her hand and sighed.

  “Thanks, Deacon.” Halo said and watched him grab a plastic bag from the ice bucket and skirted around Thomas and out the door to the ice machine.

  “Damn, that looks bad. I didn’t see it either Halo. That must fucking hurt…” Joel said.

  “You think?” Halo said as she covered her hand up.

  “Um, Johnny didn’t… you know?”

  Halo shot him a dirty look, “No. He certainly fucking tried. I should have stomped on his hand too. He gouged me down there good.”

  Joel stared at her for a long moment doing his best not to look to her crotch, he felt himself get warm thinking about bloody scratches by her pubic hair. He had always fantasized she was blonde down there…

  A knock came at the door and Thomas let Deacon in. He headed straight to Halo and lightly grasped her swollen hand and placed the bag of ice on it, “There you go Halo. I’m so sorry.” She nodded to him and he gave her a gentle hug, then went and sat back down to wait.

  After a few minutes of silence, Joel broke the quiet, “Plane leaves in three hours, how long do you think it will be with JJ?”

  Halo shrugged and tried to turn towards the sliding glass door to the balcony, she winced hard as her back reminded her of its strain and she quickly faced back forward.

  “Here she is.” Deacon pointed to JJ as she brushed the curtain shears aside and stepped in with the phone held to her shoulder. She came up to Halo and faced her.

  “Alessandra is going to hold while I tell you the terms.” JJ said.

  “Oh so soon! Ok, shoot.” Halo exclaimed.

  “Here it is: a 737 VIP charter at Brisbane in two days from our time. It will be ready right before Mys—Xander arrives. Uh, it will cost in dollars, Fifty thousand, plus fuel…“

  Joel practically jumped off his chair, “We’ll take it! That is great!”

  JJ turned to Joel and gave him a look, “There is more.” JJ turned back to Halo and continued, “…a week, the jet will be at our disposal the entire time. We are to tip the crew generously… it was suggested. A Virgo jet needs to be shown in the film under product placement. The Air carrier of choice in the credits and a special thanks to Vicente.”

  Halo nodded, “Yeah that is a really good deal.”

  “One more thing, Halo.” JJ said looking to her boss, “Vicente says you have to do a meet and greet at an event of his choosing.”

  “Oh. Well, that’s fine then.” Halo looked to Joel and he gave her a thumbs up, “Tell Alessandra it’s a deal and thank Vicente for his help.”

  JJ put the phone to her ear and left for the balcony again. Halo looked to the three men in her room, “Ok, then. I would like to take a shower before we leave, so gentlemen if you would?” Halo gestured to the door. Thomas quickly opened it as Joel and Deacon got up.

  “Thanks Halo.” Deacon said with a wave and a smile.

  “Halo, great job. I will see if anyone else needs to go to Brisbane, maybe Doug?” Joel gestured towards JJ.

  “Yeah, that would be cool and whoever else too I guess. I think a 737 can handle a few people on it.”

  “Ok, I’ll see you at the airport, and again I’m sorry.” Joel brushed past Thomas without a care and left Thomas to nod at her and he pointed to the lock once again and shut the door.

  Joel headed towards Sarah’s room, thinking thoughts of Halo gouged up were making him hard. Sarah would handle him, and he knew whom he would be thinking of…

  Halo’s face contorted as she stood up, her foot shot a painful stab up to her heart, “Fuck.” She muttered and gingerly walked to the bathroom. She turned on the shower and began stripping off her clothes. It was slow going, as it seemed like everything now hurt.

  Once inside the shower, the hot water cascading over her weary body felt good. She quickly washed herself, when she watched the water rinse away the sand from her hair; she saw the black and purple raised bruise across the top of her entire foot. From her foot she looked up and saw the scratches on her thigh, she followed one red welt that went to her blonde pubic hair. She felt her lip began to quiver and then her vision became blurred by her tears.

  First guy to touch her there in such a long time, and it was that slime ball. With that thought her chin began to tremble, she fought hard to hold it back but a sob choked its way out bringing with it a wash of tears. Her shoulders began shaking as she held her aching hand to her mouth as she tried to keep quiet as the sobs wracked her tired, bruised body.

  “Oh! Halo, oh no!” Halo heard JJ call out. The curtain came open with JJ peering in, worry written all over her face.

  “I—I’m ok.”
Halo got out through sobs.

  JJ grabbed the white towel off the towel bar and pulling Halo close she wrapped her best friend in the towel and held her close, “It’s ok! I’m here; just let it out—just like you always told me.” She felt Halo nod and her shoulders began shaking as she cried on JJ’s shoulder. JJ pushed Halo’s wet hair away, gave her friend a kiss on her forehead, and rocked her back and forth, “That asshole… that fucking asshole.” JJ muttered. She worried for her friend and the upcoming filming of the same scene with Mystery man; they are going to have to tell him. Hopefully he will understand and he and Halo can work it out together before shooting.

  JJ felt Halo begin to calm down, her sobs turning to sniffs and nose wiping with her towel. Halo looked up to her friend, “I love you JJ, thank you for being there for me.”

  “Oh! Girlfriend, how many times was it you holding me? When dad died, a broken heart… you were always there for me. I love you too.” She held her best friend tighter before she gently let go. JJ reached up and grabbed a dry washcloth and dabbed at Halo’s red rimmed eyes, “You ok?”

  Halo nodded and sniffed again, “Yeah, um I better let you shower too. We need to head to the airport soon.”

  “Ok… Hey! Does it help to know how bad you fucked him up?” JJ asked quietly.

  Halo shrugged, “Maybe?”

  “Well don’t worry, I’m sure his ass will not be virginal for very long! And it’s gonna hurt,” She laughed, “Everyone here seems huge!” JJ smiled as that got a giggle out of her friend.

  “I better dig into the makeup bag—by the way, Doug can come with us. Is everything set up with Alessandra?” Halo asked.

  “Awesome!” JJ exclaimed, “And yes we are a go. The contract will be waiting.”

  “Great job, JJ. You better call your man.” Halo said and JJ responded with a big happy smile.

  Halo got ready and with an aching hand managed to get her makeup applied. She looked tired and hoped some sleep would help the dark circles peeking out from under her concealer. Soon they were all packed and headed to the airport.

  Halo checked her phone to see what time it would be when they got there. Five or so hour flight, so when they landed in Brisbane it would be the next day but three hours earlier than their current time. It would be evening when they landed she thought.